Treating Knee Pain
The Johns Hopkins orthopedic surgeons at Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center specialize in numerous proven and innovative treatment options for debilitating knee pain. There are several different factors that could determine which knee procedure you may benefit from the most. Your Johns Hopkins surgeon can help you decide what is right for you. Options include:
- Arthroscopic Knee Surgery
- Cartilage Transplant Surgery
- High Tibial Osteotomy
- Partial Knee Replacement
- Total Knee Replacement
Arthroscopic Knee Surgery
This is a surgical technique involving two to three small incisions and the use of fiber optic technology to see into your knee, without the need of a large surgical incision. During the procedure, which usually takes less than an hour, your Johns Hopkins orthopedic surgeon will use the arthoscope and another instrument to remove or repair damaged tissue.
Arthroscopic knee surgery can be used to help treat these types of common knee problems:
- Meniscal Tear
- Articular Cartilage Damage
- Ligament Damage
- Arthritis
Cartilage Transplant Surgery
Cartilage transplant surgery is performed by taking cartilage tissue from a non-weight bearing area of a patient's knee and growing more cartilage tissue to replace damaged areas in the knee. It also may be performed by taking cartilage from a donor's knee and replacing defective or absent cartilage. This surgery is usually reserved for people under 55.
High Tibial Osteotomy
High tibial osteotomy is a surgical procedure performed for arthritis in younger (under 55 year old) patients. By cutting the bone and realigning it, the forces in the knee can be changed to decrease pain and improve function. It is a good surgical option for patients who perform heavy lifting, have a demanding job, or who want to continue participating in contact sports.
Partial Knee Replacement
Also known as unicompartmental knee replacement, it is used in those cases where only one side of the knee joint is damaged and is in need of repair/replacement. Because only one side of the knee is being replaced, a smaller incision may be used. The small incision is sometimes referred to as "minimally-invasive" surgery. With a smaller incision there is less bleeding, quicker recovery and less bone loss than with a total knee replacement.
Total Knee Replacement
Also known as total knee arthroplasty, it is a surgical procedure in which the injured or damaged joint is replaced with artificial parts. This procedure is performed with an open approach to the knee.
Total knee replacements are usually performed on people suffering from severe arthritic conditions. Most patients who undergo total knee replacement are over age 55, but the procedure is performed in younger people. The circumstances vary somewhat, but generally you would be considered for a total knee replacement if:
- You have daily pain;
- Your pain is severe enough to restrict not only work and recreation but also the ordinary activities of daily living;
- You have significant stiffness of your knee;
- You have significant instability (constant giving way) of your knee; or,
- You have significant deformity (knock-knees or bowlegs).
To make an appointment with a Johns Hopkins orthopedic surgeon at Johns Hopkins Bayview, call 410-550-0453.
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